What are the names and locations of the wildfires?

On July 19, 2024, smoke from hundreds of wildfires across northwestern Canada has impacted communities across Canada and into the United States (1).

Some significant fires in the region include the Shetland Creek wildfire near Spences Bridge, British Columbia, which has merged with the Teit Creek fire, as well as numerous fires across Alberta and British Columbia, Canada. Major fires are also burning in Saskatchewan and the Pacific Northwest of the United States.

As of July 18, 2024, there are 759 active wildfires in Canada, with 1.8 million hectares of land burned from the start of the year (2).

Which cities or areas are affected by the wildfires?

The wildfires are affecting multiple areas, including the Saranagati Hare Krishna village near Cache Creek, Alberta, and northeastern British Columbia, especially areas west of Edmonton and northwest of Calgary.

Smoke from these fires is impacting air quality in northeastern Alberta and could potentially affect the Midwest and Great Lakes regions of the United States. Other affected areas include Saskatchewan and the Pacific Northwest, particularly east of the Cascades in Washington and Oregon.

Canadian and American cities with poor air quality on Friday morning include:

• Calgary, Alberta
• Coeur d'Alene, Idaho
• Fort McKay, Alberta
• Fort St John, British Columbia
• Helena, Montana
• Kalispell, Montana
• Lac La Biche, Alberta
• Missoula, Montana
• Regina, Saskatchewan
• Spokane, Washington

What is the current containment status of the wildfires?

Containment efforts vary widely across Canada.

The Shetland Creek fire is described as out-of-control and aggressive, spanning nearly 50 square kilometers. Alberta reports 136 ongoing wildfires, and British Columbia has 176 active wildfires, many of which are out of control.

Saskatchewan is also battling 96 active wildfires, primarily in the north-central part of the province.

Are there any evacuation orders or alerts in place?

Evacuation orders are in place for 76 properties in the Venables Valley area north of Spences Bridge, and additional reserves along the Thompson River have also been evacuated. Residents of the Saranagati Hare Krishna village have been evacuated to Cache Creek (3).

In British Columbia, the Regional District of Central Kootenay issued an evacuation order for 11 properties along Highway 6 due to a new fire near Slocan Lake, and an evacuation alert is in place for parts of the Okanagan-Similkameen region due to the Calcite Creek wildfire.

How can I protect myself from wildfire smoke?

Always plan ahead to protect yourself from wildfire smoke.

• Get a free air quality app for real-time air quality alerts and forecasts.
• Shut doors and windows and set the HVAC to recirculate mode.
• Run a high-performance air purifier to filter wildfire smoke.
• Contribute to your community’s outdoor air quality.
• Stay indoors; if you do need to go outdoors, wear a KN95/FFP2 mask.